Vol State and Small Town Startup announce a groundbreaking partnership
[Springfield, Tennessee – July 29, 2024] Volunteer State Community College (Vol State) is thrilled to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Small Town Startup, located in downtown Springfield, aimed at fostering entrepreneurship and innovation within the local community.
This innovative partnership will focus on offering classes at the Small Town Startup location, providing aspiring entrepreneurs with the opportunity to earn a technical certificate in Entrepreneurship from Vol State. By bringing education directly to the heart of Springfield, we aim to empower individuals to transform their business ideas into reality, fueling economic growth and prosperity in the region.
Through this collaboration, Vol State will leverage the expertise of local business leaders to aid in teaching and instruction, providing students with valuable insights and mentorship from seasoned professionals. Classes will be held in the evening via a cohort model, allowing students to learn and work together as a team, fostering collaboration and creativity.
Moreover, the Vol State and Small Town Startup partnership will create work-based learning internship opportunities, where students will engage with local businesses to tackle real-world challenges through hands-on projects. These internships will focus on areas such as improving efficiencies, marketing strategies, supply chain management, research and development, and other crucial aspects of business operations.
"At Small Town Startup, our mission has always been to foster the growth of small businesses in small towns, with a strong emphasis on quality education and inclusive learning environments. Our collaboration with Vol State to develop innovative business education opportunities is a crucial advancement for our local economy. It also serves as a potential blueprint for similar initiatives across Tennessee, and beyond. I am thrilled to partner with such a forward-thinking organization to create exciting opportunities for current and future business owners in our communities," Lisa DiVirgilio Around, founder of Small Town Startup, said.
The cohort is tentatively scheduled to launch in August 2024. Registration for the fall semester is now open, and interested students are encouraged to begin the application process at https://www.volstate.edu/admissions/apply.
For more information about the Vol State and Small Town Startup partnership, visit https://www.volstate.edu/springfield-etc. or contact Dr. Meredith Young, Springfield Center Director, Volunteer State Community College at meredith.young@volstate.edu or (615) 433-7030
About Volunteer State Community College: Volunteer State Community College is a public, comprehensive community college offering associate degrees, certificates, continuing education, and enrichment programs. With campuses in Gallatin, Livingston, Springfield, and Cookeville, Vol State serves a diverse student population and is committed to providing accessible, high-quality education that empowers individuals to achieve their academic and career goals.
About Small Town Startup: Small Town Startup is a community-driven initiative aimed at supporting local entrepreneurs and fostering economic development in Springfield, Tennessee. Through innovative programming, mentorship, and resources, Small Town Startup empowers individuals to turn their business dreams into reality and contribute to the vitality and growth of the community.
